The Sunday Times Sports - Who runs the game?

The SLRFU being the governing body for rugby in Sri Lanka has responsibilities arising from its various relationships. The job of the Union is that of being the facilitator and or administrator for the continuance and development of the game in Sri Lanka. Therefore they have a link with the world governing body as well as the Government of Sri Lanka through the Ministry of Sports. This flows down by virtue of their status with the provincial bodies, the clubs and the schools section as well as the public.

The provincial unions are the creation of the Union as per its constitution. The council consists of nominees from the provinces and representatives of other affiliated bodies. Provincial Unions consist of recognized rugby clubs within that province.

The Union is at the centre of a complex web of relationships that has to interact for the promotion and management of the game.

There is a large number of parties who from time to time take interest and whose actions have an effect on the game and therefore on the Union.

Currently there is controversy arising from acts in the schools section as well as with a player taking the Union to courts. Where the schools section is concerned there have been acts of indiscipline reported and allegations of players who are not eligible to play taking part. While one of the accusations has been settled there are others which are pending inquiry as I understand from reliable sources. This being an area that can bring disrepute to the game there is a need for the Union to take notice and see that justice is done. It is important because parent’s expectation when their children are competing; is one of fair chance and correct spirit. The union in charge of promoting the sport has a responsibility to correct wrong acts and or dispels the thoughts of impurity that may arise as a result of adverse publicity if the statements are wrong.

Similarly the Union has a responsibility to look after and take disciplinary action where ever it is necessary to safeguard the game and the actors involved. The disciplinary action taken by the Union against a player is one of them. The right of the player to seek redress from the judiciary of the country is a right that cannot be denied to the player. Nevertheless the events that have led to the Union’s action has to be understood while we wait the final determination of the judiciary on the pending issue. The player is under a suspended sentence and there is another accusation against him. Thus the need for the Union to inquire came up. This is well within the scope of responsibilities of those who mange the affairs of the council. The decision to enforce punishment for actions of further indiscipline while the player is serving a sentence is the crux of the matter. Technicalities aside the judiciary having heard both parties will decide whether the action is justified.

The lesson to be learnt is that what has to be done need to be done. But it must follow a professional process that ensures justice. In this sense the responsibilities of the council members, who work in an honorary capacity, must be to focus on the key purpose. That is to ensure the games prosperity by collectively directing the affairs of rugby while meeting the appropriate interest of its stake holders. This requires more and more delegation of the operational aspects and there to be professional support to handle such affairs. There is always another voice to hear as the money spent is in no way small.

Because the actions have been legally challenged the council cannot take a position of protecting themselves by not taking action on issues that may lead to confrontation. Challenge must be viewed as healthy pursuant towards excellence. This can only be achieved if there is strength to council members of having being professionally advised. The paradigm shift is to be one of being involved in policy and direction as against operational aspects. Operational aspects should be left to a team of administrators who run operations and are not part of the policy makers. To that extent they are independent in working and responsible for carrying out the directions of the council as well as to present matters for council to review freely.The need is to move into positions of strength and not to weakness. Just as much a player has challenged the action of the council there can be reverse action. Somebody can challenge you for not taking action. This has happened in many parts of the world where persons who suffer injury and or hard ship because of inaction taking the administrators to the judiciary. One can always confront the council if they fail to take notice of acts that foster indiscipline. What if somebody were to ask why the suspended sentence is not enforced when there is breach of good discipline while serving the sentence. Has somebody opened a whole new can of worms?

The need of the hour and the future is for leaders to have vision and courage to face the threats by improving its weak points and making use of the opportunity to move to a better position of strength.